The business club reported on September 14 that tens of thousands of workers in Cambodia’s garment industry launched a week-long campaign yesterday, demanding higher wages and improved welfare benefits. The authorities detained at least seven union members and accused them of engaging in illegal activities outside the factories.
According to the Cambodian Labor Union, approximately 60,000 workers from over 40 garment factories across the country are participating in the strike. There are a total of 470 factories in Cambodia, and the union leader, Atong, told AFP: “We will continue until we get reasonable negotiations.â€
Ken Lu, the secretary general of the Cambodian Garment Manufacturers Association, said that only about 20,000 workers from 19 factories are involved, with just 10 factories experiencing significant disruptions.
The garment industry is a key source of foreign revenue for Cambodia, employing around 345,000 people. It produces clothing for well-known global brands such as Gap, Benetton, Adidas, and Puma.
Moentola, a labor rights activist, emphasized that international brands should exert pressure on Cambodian factories to ensure fair treatment of local workers.
Earlier, the government and employers had agreed to raise the minimum monthly salary for garment and footwear workers to $61. However, the union argues that this amount is not enough to cover basic needs like food, housing, and transportation. They are pushing for a minimum wage of $93 per month.
The union initially hoped for more than 80,000 participants, but attendance fell short due to fears of retaliation from employers. Some workers were reportedly warned or threatened by their bosses if they joined the protest.
Garment manufacturers have warned that the ongoing strikes could lead to reduced production and fewer orders from buyers. Ken Lu, in a recent interview, criticized the unions for not following legal procedures, stating that it could harm the reputation of Cambodia’s garment sector.
He said: “If they want to negotiate, they shouldn’t be acting in this way. As an employer, we can’t respond to this type of behavior.†The association is considering legal action against the union.
Ken Lu also called the demand for a $93 minimum wage “impossible†and mentioned that some affected factories have filed a court petition, ordering workers to return to work within 48 hours. He added: “If they don’t return, the factory has the right to terminate their contracts.â€
Reuters noted that the recent unrest in Cambodia reflects a broader trend of labor disputes spreading from China to other Asian countries known for low-cost manufacturing.
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